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Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale

Number One Riverside provides a marvelous workplace and public amenity that will provide the initial catalyst to bring about the regeneration of this Lancashire town. The project delivers a new civic hall with office space which has enabled the rationalisation of the Lancashire authority’s estate from 33 different sites into this single location landmark building. Number One Riverside provides an environment that facilitates new ways of working whilst also creating a sense of social transparency and enables community engagement that could not exist under the previous disparate umbrella of workplaces.

The success of this scheme is, in a large part, down to the quality of the brief that was established at the outset; with the architect taking a pivotal role. Whilst the key driver was to create a flexible workplace from which the council could improve its efficiency – establishing a desk to staff ratio of seven workspaces for every ten people for instance - the brief set out the added challenge of incorporating a number of alternative uses including a triage area, library and cafés.

At a time when costs are under the spotlight more than ever before, this project has set a benchmark for development of semi-public buildings. The office space has allowed changes in working practices with teams, for the first time in many years, now all together under one roof. The open plan areas and high quality break out spaces help communication and at the same time reducing the running costs of the building as there are fewer rooms to heat and cool.

The building makes the best use of the site’s topography with elevations creating a weaving and fluid form that does not feel artificial or forced. The gentle curve softens the internal and external aspects and gives subtle views of the workforce, whilst blending beautifully the office and public spaces without having to create obtrusive security solutions. The architect has responded to the sweeping route of the River Roch alongside to create a new high quality public walkway.

Public access is encouraged via a large open plaza taking visitors into a central space which contains a customer service area, library and access to other council and partner facilities. Located at the heart of the building, this provides the Council with transparency and enhances accessibility and social inclusion. With the ground floor customer cafe situated around the library and customer service centre, the building is a place for everybody; bringing the staff closer to the communities they serve.

For those who have seen this project at its early stages, a revisit to the town - in the not too distant future - to see the other workspaces that are created in the surrounding area as a result of the inspiration that Number One Riverside has generated is a must.